Roger Goodell talks NFL's decision to move Rams-Vikings playoff game to other location amid Los Angeles wildfires
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league made a last-minute decision to move the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings from the season due to wildfires in Southern California. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
The decision was made on Thursday at short notice. Since the game is on Monday instead of the weekend, teams have an extra day to pack up, leave shelter and head south for the game, where emergency officials are scrambling to put out fires in the Los Angeles area.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, left, before the NFL Wild Card Playoff football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. Chatting with referee John Hussey. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Goodell spoke about the unprecedented move in an interview with ESPN.
“What the people of Los Angeles are going through, we all share the devastation, the loss and the heartache they're going through, and we know the game can't be played there before Thursday,” he said. “Public safety and compromising any public safety is not our intention. Things to do. We want to make sure that first responders are focused on taking care of those who are struggling out there.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell watches the NFL Wild Card Playoff football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings in Glendale, Arizona, Monday, January 13, 2025. race. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
“The league came together when we made this decision. We have preparations or what we call contingency plans, which include two stadiums a week, which is perfect for Los Angeles Rams fans. location, I'm proud to say that 45,000 of them came here and it was awesome and everyone came together and Michael Bidwell and the Cardinals were at the top of the list. “
Rams fans do come to Glendale, Arizona. The organization even painted the field in Rams colors and painted a large Los Angeles logo in the middle of the field.
Before the game, the Rams were one of 12 teams in the Los Angeles and Anaheim areas to announce a total of $8 million in donations to those affected by the wildfires.
Los Angeles Rams fans hold signs before their NFL Wild Card Playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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The money will be used to support victims and firefighting crews. The American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Cal Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Rescue and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon and several other local animal rescue organizations were designated Beneficiaries donate.
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